Strat bridge problem

[hutkahn]

Hi guys, I have a problem with the bridge on my strat..it's lifting off the guitar body I also suspect that the high action on my frets is because of the bridge not pulling the string down enough.. any suggestions?

End of bridge lifting off body:

Another view:

Spring claw (looks weird?):

 

[obzervr]

Looks like you've screwed in the claw all the way in. In that case, if you have extra springs, hook it up. Not try move the outer springs eyelet on the claw side one notch in. It'll create an inverted V. That should help create a bit more tension. Some players want to have that slight lift to pull the trem bar. Also check the six screws near the pickguard. It may be screwed in too tightly that it forces down on the pivot.

 

[haz_flow]

Since the claw is screwed in fully, as in cant help u anymore, im guessing u could get more spring..Here's a hell of a cheap spring for sale..not the spring is cheap, more like the offer is..

http://soft.com.sg/forum/guitar-misc-others-buy-sell/79290-stuff-sale-$1.html

Hope it's a right link

 

[HarrisonYeo]

add more springs , but even in u're current situation it's fine.
strats are supposed to have a floating bridge.

 

[hutkahn]

Thanks for the help guys..already contacted the seller about his spring..haha

 

[penguin]

what gauge are u using?did u recently change string gauge? in that case you need minor set up..adding more springs will help but the guitar will be more "stiff" hehe hope u get what i mean ...
best to loosen the strings , readjust the springs and then re tune ...and another spring only if u need to ...

 

[hutkahn]

im using ernie ball's super slinky 9-42..i personally only changed strings once and previous set from previous owner was the same..not sure what the previous owner had used before that though :S

 

[penguin]

i just find it strange for 09 set it requires more spring ...
i thought the previous owner set up with .11 or .13 ...hmm anyway ..just do the setup..
maybe no need for the spring ..as in V spring position ..Gd luck ..

 

[obzervr]

Looking at the pics, It does seem to show that the pivot screws were screwed in too deep. Try this,

1) Loosen all your strings. check if the bridge is still slightly floating (visible gap).

I suspect that the bridge may still be floating at about 2 mm.
if it is:
2) loosen all six pivot screws till you see about 5 mm of the screw shank

Here, the bridge should already fall flat, flushed to the body due to the tension on the springs.

3) screw in the pivot screw from the center two screws out. Screw in just till the screw head rest on the bridge plate.

Here you should see the the bridge continue to be flushed to the body.

4) rock the trem arm and see if you can rock the bridge forward

5) tune up your guitar.

Good Luck!

 

[hutkahn]

Thanks for the help! Turns out it was the pivot screws.. Bridge is now flat

However, I think my trem slot has something stuck in it (broken trem arm i suppose) that I cant get out..would my only choice be to replace the whole bridge? =/

 

[obzervr]

Glad to hear that.

Cheers!

 

[relinquish69]

if a part of the trem arm is stuck in that slot, I guess the only alternative should be to replace the block.

however, you could bring it down to a guitar tech to see what he has to say. if its cheaper than replacing the block itself, then why not?

 

[hutkahn]

alright thanks for your help! a new bridge is like, $30 though..so i'll see how it goes, thanks!

 

[Gates]

Heya dude, i have the same problem as you, however, which of the pivot screws must i screw in slightly? Not stated really clearly.

 

[hutkahn]

Hey the pivot screws in question are the screws right in front of the saddles. If your bridge is also 'floating', make sure it is not because of unbalanced tension first!

 

[khaos11]

hmmmm actually dude, if the trem arm is kinda broken inside... u could use a small chisel and hammer.... tap it out gently in a circular motion aiming near the perimeter ( this solution only helps if the thing isn't that deep)

another way could be... solder some scrape metal to the piece inside... make sure the bond is strong... then try to twist the bugger out... ( this usually works if its half deep) try not to bond to the threading of the bridge...

well i know u got ur new bridge already... just a lil info... fyi


hope its helps.

cheers

 

[theliverevolution]

argh. i had that problem. had to replace the whole bridge completely. stupid trem arm snapped at Davis while I was testing out an amp. argh....

Music Theme sold me a new Wilkinson bridge... is that good?

 

[mus]

From what I know, Wilkinson bridge is not bad. Standard Value has them too.

 

[hutkahn]

If im not mistaken the trem arm is all the way in..haha nevermind though, it will be part of my restoration project when i have saved enough money

 

[Gates]

Hey the pivot screws in question are the screws right in front of the saddles. If your bridge is also 'floating', make sure it is not because of unbalanced tension first!

Alright dude, Thanks! Its abit hard to screw the 2 screws at the back in though. Rather tight. =S I used quite alot of force but still can't screw them in. Thought perhaps i can do something with the pivot screws.